My Areas of Specialty, by Kristen Moore, MA, ATR-BC, LAPC

Hello! I'm Kristen Moore, a Registered, Board-Certified Art Therapist, and Licensed Associate Professional Counselor. I’ve been working as an art therapist and counselor for two years, and teaching art to children and adults for the past 20 years. My own journey with art began as soon as I could hold a crayon, and over the years, I’ve witnessed firsthand how art can be transformative—both for me and for those I work with. I’m excited to share the healing and growth that art can inspire. Check out my bio page for an overview, or read on to learn more about my specialties. 

Grief, Loss, & Transitions

Grief is a natural but often misunderstood part of life. When not properly addressed, it can impact our relationships, our well-being, and our ability to move forward. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one or a major life change, society often doesn’t provide the space for people to fully process their grief. This is where art therapy can play a powerful role. It provides a way to express feelings that might be too painful or complex to verbalize. Through the creative process, clients can make meaning of their loss, accept it, and find a way to carry forward the connection to what or who they’ve lost.

Since 2020, I’ve worked with grieving children, adolescents, and adults in individual, family, and group therapy settings. I’m also currently studying Art-Assisted Grief Counseling at the Portland Institute for Loss and Transition, founded by one of the leading contemporary researchers on grief.

Building Self-Esteem & Resilience

A healthy self-esteem is essential for navigating life’s ups and downs. The two—self-esteem and resilience—are deeply connected: when we believe we are worthy of effort, we are better equipped to face challenges and bounce back after setbacks. In therapy, I help clients explore and express themselves through art, which naturally boosts confidence and self-worth. For adults, this often involves uncovering and understanding where feelings of inadequacy originated. For children and adolescents, it’s about creating a space where they can succeed and recognize their own achievements. Art materials and processes provide a safe and supportive environment for creative exploration, problem-solving, and learning from mistakes. Through this, clients can build a stronger sense of self-trust and value.

Anxiety & Depression

I have extensive experience working with adults and adolescents who struggle with anxiety and depression. These two conditions often co-occur, with one set of symptoms exacerbating the other. When working with clients, I prioritize fostering emotional expression and exploring the underlying triggers through creative outlets. I help clients address any shame or guilt they may feel about their emotions, using art-making as a means to process and release these feelings. From there, we focus on developing coping strategies and emotional regulation techniques to navigate challenging emotions and situations. Ultimately, art therapy provides clients with an opportunity to accept anxiety and depression as emotional responses that can be managed and alleviated over time.